The Cotswold Way Challenge Multistage Ultra 2015

You can download detailed event instructions above.

The Cotswold Way

Course Records - James Poole 09:40:17, Catherine Holloway 10:55:19.

The Cotswold Way Ultra takes in 57 miles of quintessentially English Countryside, passing through rolling farmland and ancient beech woods, and taking in a rich slice of British history from Bronze Age barrows to Neolithic burial grounds and Stone Age hill forts. But don't be fooled by the Cotswolds' reputation for gentle contours: this route takes in 2750m of vertical ascent over two days (1140m over 27 miles on Day One and 1610m over 30 miles on Day Two), making it a great training weekend for anyone preparing for the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc or the Marathon des Sables.

The Cotswold Way National Trail runs from Chipping Campden in the north, to Bath in the south, and for this event Race Directory Neil Thubron has chosen a section of the route that is particularly striking for its glorious scenery and historic landscapes.

Extreme Energy ultra events are fully supported and fully inclusive, so whether this is your first ultra or your one hundredth, you'll find yourself in good company and in safe hands. The Cotswolds Way Ultra is open to runners or walkers, and includes an overnight stay at Cleeve School Sports Centre, Bishops Cleeve for two day participants (available at a supplement for one day participants). Sleeping accommodation is a large hall; rest areas, showers and dining area are also provided.

Navigation and Support.

The "Cotswold Way" is a National Trail and has excellent markings in the form of signposts or post discs. In addition, you will be given a "Route Card" which is designed to help on any tricky sections, to provide information on any route changes and to indicate where the checkpoints are. The event is supported by a course manager to maintain event safety and to manage any serious incidents. A fully qualified medical crew are in attendance, to give first aid and to manage any serious medical problems in cooperation with the emergency services.

What you get for your money.

The price is all inclusive of the following items:

Overnight accommodation in a school hall
Evening meal and breakfast for overnights
Checkpoint food and water through out the event
Free tea, coffee and cake for all competitors at the finish area each day
Evening meal and breakfast for overnights
Transportation to and from local train stations
Quality Medal awarded to each finisher
A quality technical T Shirt for all who take part
Toilets / changing facilities at the start / finish areas (plus great showers at the finish)
Safety & medical cover throughout the event
Prizes awarded for several different categories

David will talk about his experiences in the inaugural zero edition (105k 7000m) of the race that had a reduced field of 200 runners, compared with 1000 from 2016 onwards (150k 10000m). The talk will cover all the essentials such as the types of cheese available at the checkpoints and where the Toblerone artist stood to sketch the Matterhorn etc. As well as this David will describe his experiences from how to get a place, recceing, training, getting to the start line and the race itself. David has been racing ultras for about 10 years – mostly in the UK with a few excursions to the Alps.

Cost Options.

Please note the entry price for the full event (including all food and accommodation) will differ as below:

Early bird price up to the end February 2015 is £120 per head
Standard pricing up to the end of June 2015 is £125 per head
Late entry pricing after the 1st August 2015 is £135 per head

There is the option of entering a single day at £55 per day.

Optional overnight accommodation is £28 per head for those opting to do a single day

* Please Note: A 3% service charge, levied by this registration software, will be added to your final amount

Getting there and away.

Trains.

Free transfers will be provided from Evesham station on the morning of Saturday 12th September, with return transfers to Stroud station on Sunday 13th September. Transfers to Cheltenham station are available on the evening of Saturday 12th September, for those participating on Day One only.

By Train to Evesham Station for day 1 only entrants, and Cheltenham station for day 2
only entrants .

By Car.

Plenty of parking available at the start. Cars can be left.

Extreme Energy Transportation for the weekend.

Day 1 - am - pick up from Evesham Station and parking available at the start

Day 1 - pm - lift to Cheltenham station - 1 during the afternoon, plus 1
lift back to the start

Day 2 - am - option for pick up from Cheltenham Station

Day 2 - pm - regular drop offs to Stroud Station, 1 lift back to the day
1 start, maximum of 12 people. Small charge of £5 payable on the day.

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At a glance

Event date: 12th-13th September 2015

Route: Chipping Campden, Gloucester.

Where: The Scout Centre

Distance: Each day can be booked as a separate day, without food and accommodation.

Ascent: 2750 metres

Price: Full event = £125, Single days = £55

UMTB Points: 2 points awarded

Event details download:

What people think about our events...

Just wanted to offer feedback on my 4th Pilgrims.
Lovely weekend as usual. The extra signage was very welcome as was the soup at the end!!!!
Your team as ever were amazing and the lift to the Travelodge was very kind.
For the first time ever I made it in on day 2 in the light - a massive PB
.
Thanks once again.
Jayne

Just wanted to say the Chiltern Challenge 50k on Saturday was fantastic fun. It was only my third ultra and I was terrified of getting lost but I didn't, it was so well marked, perfect. The checkpoints were brilliant, lots of yummies and friendly happy people to motivate us. Thank you, I loved it. Caroline D

Just wanted to drop you a line with a huge THANK YOU following my first Ultra experience at yesterday’s Pony Express from Brockenhurst to Moyle Court. I found the whole event a total inspiration - the warmth and help by everyone from the XNRG team through the marshalls and other helpers down to the other competitors themselves who were helpful, knowledgeable and extremely friendly towards a newbie ultra-marathoner. I loved every minute of it (despite the pain!). In particular, the atmosphere was one of a welcoming family of like-minded individuals united by a greater love for their sport rather than who’s got what kit. A truly awesome group of people. My certificate of my first Ultra is proudly on my fridge!
Needless to say, this won’t be my last event with you guys…I’ll be back for more.
Thanks again, and hope today was also a great success.